UPDATED January, 2023
Buying a car is always exciting. Comparing features, choosing the color, and the multiple test drives. If you have already bought one, it's likely that you've now mapped out your schedules and travel itineraries for the next two months. That said, you do need to make one more step to make sure you have everything covered -- and that is to have your new car blessed.
Why bless your car? You are most proud of the blessing that God has bestowed upon you, so it's just fair to return the favor by having your car blessed, too.
When I bought a new car a few months ago, I had it blessed at the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag in Pangasinan.
What's covered in this guide?
1. How to get there via NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX and Toll Fees
2. Binalonan Exit to Manaoag Church
3. Car blessing schedules
4. Attending the Holy Mass, visiting the museum, etc.
5. Where to get food, souvenirs, pasalubong
HOW TO GET THERE
Getting to Manaoag, Pangasinan is now easily accessible via the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) and TPLEX (Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway) which interlink with one another.
The fastest way to NLEX is the Mindanao Link located at the end of Mindanao Avenue, Quezon City. Toll fee is P62.
NLEX, SCTEX and TPLEX stretch for more than 200 kilometers from Bulacan to Pangasinan and you, as well as your passengers, could get hungry before even reaching Manaoag. But no worries, there are several food stopovers along the way. You can find a complete list of gas stations and restaurants HERE.
Using the SCTEX highway will cost you a toll fee of P392 while TPLEX will cost you P235 at the Binalonan Exit.
BINALONAN TO MANAOAG CHURCH
The nearest TPLEX exits to Manaoag is the Urdaneta Exit and the Binalonan Exit. I prefer the Binalonan Exit because this route works for me and I don't have to worry about the traffic jams in Urdaneta. You see, Urdaneta has too many malls (SM City Urdaneta, Magic Mall, CB Mall, among others) and they greatly affect the flow of traffic -- especially on weekends. So, it's always the BInalonan Exit for me.
After paying your toll fee at the TPLEX Binalonan Exit, turn left towards Manaoag (turning right will bring you to Baguio City, and you don't want it for now, I'm sure). The Binalonan-Dagupan Highway in Barangay Linmansangan allows a 15 to 20-minute drive to the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary of Manaoag. It's a road with a few twists and turns and a lot of slow tricycles. Don't attempt to make an overtake unless you're a good driver. There are a few provincial buses using the same road and overtaking can be dangerous.
You'll know you're near the church when traffic begins to slow down. Be wary of men approaching your windows, they'll stop at nothing to try to dupe you into buying expensive Manaoag souvenirs and to lure you to their faraway parking slots. The Manaoag town is a tourist trap so keep your windows to yourself.
CAR BLESSING SCHEDULES
Schedule:
- Weekdays: Every after the mass from 5:00 am to 11:00 am and at 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
- Weekends: Every after the mass from 5:00 am to 12:00 nn and at 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
(subject to change without prior notice)
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The area is located at Gate 6 which is at the back of Manaoag Church. But the road traffic flows almost continuously in one direction so you have to go around the church to enter Gate 6. Turn left towards the church front then turn left again once you reach its left side. The left side of the church will show you a narrow road which will lead you to Gate 6. There will be a line of cars waiting for you once you get there so you have to fall in line as well. You can opt to shut off your engine as the car blessings are done in batches of 10. It will probably take you around an hour for your turn. It took me 45 minutes when I was there.
The blessing of cars only takes about 5 minutes each. When your turn comes, properly park your car. Pop the hood and open all doors including trunks and rear doors. This is so the priest can sprinkle holy water inside your car's interiors. The priest carries lots of holy water, thus, you can have some personal articles blessed, too. We did. We placed 5 rosaries on top of my car's dashboard, hence were also sprinkled with holy water. After the blessing of the car, you may want to give a cash donation. The giving of cash donation, by the way, is voluntary.
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ATTENDING THE MASS
Right after the car blessing, look for a safe parking area and try to attend mass.
Parking is scarce. I parked mine at Jollibee. You can, too, if you don't mind waiting between 15 to 20 minutes for a slot. But once you get parked, kindly buy at least something from the fast food. It's the least you can do for a free parking.
The church can get crowded during weekends but I bet you still can squeeze your way inside to hear the gospel and to get a glimpse of the Marian image of the Our Lady of Manaoag.
If you still have time, I recommend visiting the museum at the back of the church so you can get a brief overview about the Our Lady of Manaoag, the history of the Church, and some basic information about the town. While there, you can pay a visit to the Virgin's Well, a small water pond where you can light candles and pray for blessings. Then, after getting tired from all those walking in the museum and the Virgin's Well, you can rest your knees and feet, and stay for a while at the mini park which is also located at the back of the church.
WHERE TO GET FOOD, SOUVENIRS, PASALUBONG
There are several pigar-pigar (barbecue), kambingan, and bulaluhan restaurants around the church where you and your companions can dine after the blessing. If you want fastfood, there's Chowking beside Puregold Supermarket and Jollibee located in front of the church. If you want something "more restauranty", there's a Gerry's Grill just a few meters away from the church exit.
If you still have time, you can shop around the church for souvenirs and native tupigs for pasalubong. Tupig is a popular Pangasinan delicacy which is made out of ground glutinous rice and coconuts strips wrapped in banana leaves then cooked over charcoal. They are sold for 4 pieces for P20, but my wife was able to negotiate 5 pieces for P20. Be wise to bargain, Manaoag can be costly when you don't know how to haggle.
Drive safely
Now that you're done having your car blessed, you can drive that beauty around pronto. Just remember to drive safe and responsibly at all times.
Do you have any experiences in Manaoag worth sharing?
Submit them in the comment box below.
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